Form the present simple passive with is or are plus the past participle, as in English is spoken in many countries or these books are sold in every store. Use the passive when the focus is on the action or on who receives it, not on who performs it, and the past participle never changes form.
Grammar Rule
The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action or on who receives it, not on who does it. It is formed with is/am/are + past participle, and the past participle never changes form.
Present Simple Passive: Rules and Examples
| Subject | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular (he/she/it/this) | is + past participle | English is spoken in many countries. This car is made in Japan. Coffee is grown in Brazil. |
| Plural (we/you/they/these) | are + past participle | The letters are delivered every morning. These books are sold in every store. |
Remember: is/are + past participle; never use the base form of the verb after is/are.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below forming the correct present simple passive sentence. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
Passive Voice – Present Simple Passive (Is/Are + Past Participle)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you form the present simple passive?
Use is or are plus the past participle, choosing is for singular subjects and are for plural subjects, as in English is spoken in many countries.
When do you use the passive voice instead of the active voice?
Use the passive when the focus is on the action or on who receives it, rather than on who performs it, as in coffee is grown in Brazil.
Does the past participle change with the subject?
No, the past participle stays the same regardless of the subject; only is or are changes.
What is a common mistake with the present simple passive?
A common mistake is using the base form of the verb instead of the past participle after is or are.